Page 76 of Death on Riddle Road

“Quebec, honey, it’s nothing to worry about.”

“Youliedto me.”

“I didn’t want to worry you, sweetheart.That’s all.It’s a little bit of business and—”

“It’s abouther, isn’t it.I knew it.I knew it.I’ve always known it.You’ve always wished she lived and don’t care if I die.”

He had his arms around her.“No, no, no, no.Quebec, honey.C’mon.Let me get you out of here where we can talk.”

And not be overheard by every occupant of the café, which meant wildly varying accounts of this would be county-wide in short order.

Still crying and tossing out accusations, Quebec allowed Evan to escort her to the door.During the maneuver to get it open and her through it, he tossed an apologetic look over his shoulder.

Clara gave a reassuring wave.I smiled.Or tried.

Our server swooped in, returning chairs to their rightful spots and clearing Evan’s dishes.She also blocked the view of others, so most turned to watch Evan and Quebec outside.

“My, my, my,” the server said.

“She is very pregnant,” Clara said, excusing the behavior.

“Yeah,” the server said, “except she was like this before, too.What do you want for dessert?”

Interesting she didn’t ask if we wanted dessert.Maybe the assumption of dessert-ordering was found to get more people to order it.Or, maybe, she knew us.

We took care of the important matter of ordering dessert.

We did not discuss what had happened, nor what Evan had said, not with people at nearby tables straining to hear our conversation.

They heard a lot about dog behavior.

I did have the mild satisfaction of knowing my prediction about Evan not getting dessert was right, though it wasn’t entirely his fault.

Only when we were in my car and after Clara quickly checked a message, did she prove we were on the same wavelength.“Could he actually be that good an actor?”

“Probably not.”

“He’s not the likeliest to have killed Jaylynn, but if Derrick really killed her — or if Evan thought he did — that could be a motive to kill Derrick.All in all, we don’t eliminate him.”

“No way,” I agreed.

“You know who we should talk to next?”She didn’t wait for my response.“Payloma.After what Donna said...”

Or didn’t say.Still, I agreed with Clara.Though a return trip to that house did not appeal.And it was that reaction that had me saying, “They might still be at work.”

“Nope.Their shifts start at six a.m.And a friend messaged me they’re home now.We can go back to the café and pick up some desserts to take to them.That should get us in the door no matter what.”

My stomach gurgled in protest at taking on another dessert.

Spoilsport.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

My stomach didn’tknow if it was relieved or disappointed that Clara got desserts only for the Carnells.Not us.

We had the one modest bag in hand when we traversed the tricky deck and knocked on their door.

Again, Payloma answered.Again, Olive was in her chair with the TV on.Again, there was little sign of welcome.